CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY WITH LUX AFRIQUE

Today is Chinese New Year, and 2016 is the year of the Monkey, the Fire Monkey to be precise. In Chinese folklore, the Monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, which is also connected to one of the five elements this year being fire. The monkey is considered to be an intelligent but mischievous animal, quick-witted and curious. We at Lux Afrique have decided to celebrate by looking at the brands that have designed pieces to encapsulate this year Chinese symbol.

Luxury watch brand Ulysse Nardin have designed a timepiece to honour the playful, exuberant animal with the latest addition to their Classico collection. A Limited edition piece made with 18k rose gold featuring the self-winding UN-815 movement and COSC-certified chronometer.

The monkey is drawn in a cartoonish design, which captures his playful nature. Drawn in gold the monkey stands out against the black bushes and palm fronds design, which is meant to depict the monkey emerging from the bushes.

The champlevé method was used to enamel the piece, using cells being carved with a chisel directly on the dial and filled with enamel. Its colours are generated from different metallic oxides, and for this piece, a neutral palette is used. It is then fired until the enamel melts. It is mastered in-house at Donzé Cadrans, a member of the Ulysse Nardin group.

Luxury watch brand Harry Winston has also released a high-end watch celebrating the year of the monkey. The Premier Monkey Automatic 36mm Watch is made with 18-karat rose gold set with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing more than 2.3 carats, and is finished with a black satin strap with a gold and diamond-set buckle. A beautiful piece depicting a curious monkey in gold with his tail wrapped around an emerald-cut diamond at 12 o’ clock. The entire scene is set against a pink mother-of-pearl dial with inlaid 24-karat gold flecks. The case is set with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing more than 2.3 carats. The bezel, lugs and ardillon buckle on the black satin strap are set with an additional 74 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total weight of 2.47 carats.

These are perfect timepieces for both men and women, which are cheeky and fun and are a great way to commemorate the Chinese new year festivities.